News and Views

Auckland’s days are getting longer, the pink rhododendrons are blooming and there’s a spring in our September step as private Auckland walking tour bookings keep us busy. Is Tourism New Zealand’s decision to promote the country as a shoulder season destination paying dividends? With international visitors preferring the cooler weather to travel?  
Bring it on as we’re ready!

Here the Aucky Walky guide team share some of their best Auckland restaurants and coffee spots of late. Check out these wee gems downtown if you’re planning a visit.

Best Auckland Coffee (Guide Liz ) – Head to Stolen Summer on High Street. The peak hour white-collar queue is usually down the street but this hard working crew bang out a piping hot, velvety flat white in the time it takes to peruse your socials.

Best Auckland Lunch Spot (Guide Debbie) – For a special taste of super New Zealand kai, try Kingi’s $35 express lunch menu offering a choice of four mouth-watering dishes. Loved the savoury squid ink tagliatelle with nduja green-lipped mussels.

Grazing platter with a view (Guide Alex) – For the quintessential view of Auckland’s stunning Viaduct Harbour, take a waterfront perch at stylish Parasol and Swing. The charcuterie board is next level with Parma ham, soft cheeses, chutney, pickled onion and homemade crackers.  

Perfect pies at Vultures Lane – The pies at this historic pub are so popular and reasonably priced, they often run out. Our favourite is the smoked Kahawai fish pie served in flaky pastry with a side of Kumara wedges. You can’t get much more Kiwi than that!

Shhhh New Auckland Restaurant Alert
We’re excited to see the new food offer from hospitality legend Mandy Lusk who has taken over the restaurant management of Hotel De Brett. Mandy, who previously owned popular Vivace downtown has a rebrand and refresh planned for this special character hotel. 

Who topped the Cuisine Good Foods Award 2025?
Here are the results for central Auckland restaurants, all well-deserved recipients.

• Three Hats (Supreme) – Ahi
• Two Hats (Excellent) – Onslow, Origine, Baduzzi, Culprit, Cassia, Baduzzi, Hello Beasty, Mr Morris
• One Hat (Very Good) – Advieh, Alma, Bistro Saine, Depot, Esther, Soul Bar, White & Wongs. 

We look forward to recommending all these outstanding eateries to our private Hello Auckland tour guests. 

New Zealand ranks top of the World (again). 
That’s according to a reader poll in the UK Telegraph. Once again, New Zealand took out the top gong amongst 20,000 voters as the Best Country on Earth. Comments included our Great Walks, accessible cycling trails, Maori and Polynesian culture and our stunning dark sky sanctuaries. 
Overall, while some countries are perceived as overcrowded, too expensive, too hot or volatile, New Zealand continues to rank highly for providing a safe and warm welcome. 

Pro tip: Downtown luggage storage  If you need to stash bags between hotels, a cruise or an airport departure, there's a handy secure luggage room located in the Ferry Building on Quay Street. Managed by the Harbourside Information Kiosk, just check your luggage in at the counter between 8.30am to 4.30am daily, at NZD$12 per item. 

Aucky Walky at your service It’s our mission to help first-time visitors find their feet and discover the best Auckland things to do.
We’re gearing up for an exciting season of sharing our city on foot with visitors. As professional guides, it’s our job to keep abreast of changes so we can provide genuine recommendations on where best to eat, drink and go. 

Meet the team here and please join us on one of our top-rated Auckland walking tours soon.

Ka kite ano hoa. See you later friends.

What's New Auckland - Spring Edition

Auckland Tamaki Makaurau is gearing up for summer with a raft of new restaurants and public amenities coming our way.

The city has got a positive spring in its step following one of the warmest winters on record, new rooftop bars, upcoming festivals and a significant boost in CBD safety. Our food scene has even won a quirky international accolade this year!
Here’s our insider guide to what’s new and making the news: 

Where we’re drinking and dining next
Our clients always ask “where can we try Auckland’s best fish and chips’? Well, walk this way, because there’s a new spot downtown at Catch and Crisp Takeaway, Wynyard Quarter. 
Serving up fresh New Zealand seafood with an Asian twist, the menu includes tasty bites like crab dogs with nori-sesame dressing or Hong Kong style curry fish balls alongside traditional crumbed or battered fish fresh from the ocean. 

Nearby on Halsey Street, Little Italy has just opened its doors as the city’s newest Italian restaurant. With the pizza dough and pasta handmade on site and lunch options starting at $15, it’s targeting the wallet's sweet spot especially with Illy coffee, Italy’s best roast coffee brew. 

With an eye on mid-afternoon cravings, Auckland’s Little Culprit is promoting grazing platters for a sneaky snack alongside their extensive wine and cocktail menu. Take a perch at the bar next time you’re in town and enjoy a kaimoana platter of local oysters, sashimi, fish tartare cones and crayfish bisque dip with a side of agria potato crisps. Yumbo. 

Who will be crowned Auckland’s top restaurant?
The 50 finalists for Auckland’s Top Metro Restaurant of the Year 2024 have been announced with the major gongs awarded on 14 October. 
Central Auckland contenders in the top 50 (no doubt with their knives out) include: 
Newcomer Advieh (Hotel Intercontinental), Ahi in Commercial Bay, Alma, Apéro on Karangahape Rd, Bossi, Cassia, Gemmayze Street, Gilt, Gochu, Hello Beasty, Hugo’s Bistro, Kazuya, Metita (SkyCity Grand), Mr Morris, Onemata (Park Hyatt), Onslow, Origine, Pici, The Grove  and The Lodge.

And from the Strange but True files;
Aucklanders have been named the World’s Earliest Diners'' according to a survey by international food magazine Chef’s Pencil. Not the most desirable of international accolades but booking a table past 8.30pm (even on weekends), is a rarity with locals.  In fact, Auckland restaurants take the cake for the earliest ‘last orders’ in the world. 
So we suggest to visitors that they dine early, then make the most of their evening. Afterwards, take a walk or take in a show, head to a rooftop bar or in small towns, the local pub! Because if Aucklanders are deemed early diners, what time do folk in spots like Masterton or Methven eat? 

Take a bow Britomart
New Zealand’s first 5-greenstar rated hotel has been named New Zealand’s Best Hotel at the country's 2024 Hospitality Awards. Congratulations to the team at Hotel Britomart for this well-deserved recognition. With awesome restaurants, a thriving Saturday food and craft market, designer retail and the waterfront just a stone’s throw, it makes a great impression on our international visitors. 

New hotel alert
New Zealand’s first Moxy by Marriot is taking shape on Wakefield Street, with the 16-level build due to open late 2025.

Safer city, less gritty
The new police base in Federal Street (beside Sky Tower) is having a significant impact this year. With 51 officers now stationed in town on rolling shifts 24/7, this noticeably visible presence along with beefed up retail security,  has seen reported crime drop by one-third in the Auckland CBD and retail theft halve over the past 6 months. Making the city safer and more vibrant for everyone. 

Take a dip at Wynyard Point (pictured) 
At last, an open-air salt-water swimming pool will grace the central city waterfront.This summer, the tidal steps at Karanga Plaza will soon access a safe, multi-lane swimming pool complete with pontoons, right beside the Park Hyatt at North Wharf.  This will be a fantastic addition for both locals and visitors to enjoy a refreshing dip in the heart of the city.

Team Aucky Walky are rearing to go
We’re gearing up for an exciting season of sharing our city on foot with Auckland’s visitors. As professional guides, it’s our job to keep abreast of changes so we can provide genuine recommendations on where best to eat, drink and go. We are the walking concierge of the city!

Which is why Tourism NZ and Tataki Auckland engaged us to host famils over winter for their high-value agents from North America. 
It’s our mission to help first-time visitors find their feet and enjoy their Auckland stay.

Here’s how Gaye, a recent Aucky Walky guest summed up her private family tour with us: 

“It was the perfect introduction to this fascinating city! We learned about the history, landmarks and really useful information…there were even treats along the way. Our guide Debbie was engaging and informative, it felt like a friend showing us around’. 

Meet your Aucky Walky Team here and please join us on tour soon. 
Ka kite ano hoa. See you later friends.

If you’re coming to Auckland with your family then we’re the best place to start. Our Hello Auckland tour reveals the legends of Auckland, the local lanes, best spots to eat and the kid-friendly parks -  all at a relaxed pace.  We’ve shown heaps of kids around town on our boredom-free and laugh-filled tours.

We’re parents too so here’s a handful of suggestions for the best things to do Auckland-wide,  both free and paid, which we enjoy doing with our children.   
Disclaimer:  The author is not responsible for any whinging of “I’m bored” or “can we go now?” at any of the following activities.   

Picnic in Myers Park, Auckland’s CBD
If Charlie and the Chocolate Factory had a playground it would look like this. Nestled in the green valley of Myers Park, this funky-coloured kids’ space features fantail sculptures, climbing frames and a giant basket swing.  Hard to believe it’s in the heart of Auckland’s business district. Avoid the park during lunch hour if you want the place to yourself as the nearby school uses it on sunny days and you’ll have to stand in line for a swing. Grab a pizza or kebabs from Queen Street and picnic in the park while the kids play. 

Picnic supplies from Scarecrow Cafe, Auckland  CBD 
With lunchtime queues out the door and a counter cabinet groaning with wraps, salads to go and home-style baking, this popular cafe is a must-visit.  The bonus is its park  side location. Grab your picnic supplies and head up the hill to picturesque Albert Park, the highest point in the city centre. Spread a rug out under one of the stunning Jurassic-like trees and enjoy a relaxing lunch alfresco.  

The Escape Masters on Queen Street, Auckland CBD.
Looking for one of the best wet weather activities in Auckland?  No problem. Unless you get into a heated argument over indecipherable clues with your teenager.  The Escape Masters offer a range of fun-themed cells like the Gangsters or Alien Abduction rooms to break out of.  In order to ‘escape’, you are required to problem solve and crack a series of puzzles as well as logical mind games while utilizing a wide array of technology to decipher codes and locks, all the while racing against the clock!  Whew, who knew family game time could be so challenging?

The Volcano House at the Auckland Museum
If your kids are interested in volcanoes, shakes and quakes then head for the excellent exhibit at the Auckland Museum. Sit in the living room of a purpose- built house as a TV newsreader reports the imminent build-up to a volcanic eruption. Watch the action unfold across the harbour as the ash and debris heads towards your home. Feel the impact of the earth shaking below your feet. This simulation will captivate budding geologists and anyone interested in New Zealand’s unique landscapes.

Rangitoto Island
If you are feeling bit more adventurous, take a day trip over to Auckland’s iconic Rangitoto Island. New Zealand’s youngest volcano offers incredible 360-degree views. Walk the one-hour summit track through forest and lava fields while taking in natures beauty. Or if you have little ones in tow, hop on the guided 4WD road train to the top. 
   
Fishing under the Harbour Bridge
To view fish, penguins and sharks in spectacular underwater viewing tanks, you could visit Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium along the waterfront, east of the city. Or you could head 10 minutes west, pick up a couple of cheap handlines and bait at a local marine store and try catching a fish or two for yourself.  Park up under the Harbour Bridge alongside the local recreational fisherman and cast a line while admiring the channel views and listening to the terrified yells of the Bridge bungy jumpers.  And yes, there’s a good chance you’ll catch a good-sized keeper, although it needs to be longer than 27cm under New Zealand fishing regulations.

Rainbow’s End
Auckland’s not known for its theme parks, but Rainbows End is popular with families and kids aged under 15.  Based down the Southern Motorway, you can race, swoop, crash and splash on rides like the Log Fume, Stratosphere and the Corkscrew Coaster. Afterwards if your stomach can handle it, pop across the road to the Manukau mall to eat at the local food court.    

Wynyard Quarter
This re-energised space provides something for the whole family. Filled will salvaged materials, a basketball court and a great sand floor, the kids will love the funky maritime-themed play space. Or feed the family by dining at one of the many sea-side restaurants or grab a budget fishy bite from the local Auckland Fish Market. 
On summer weekends, Silo Park is bustling at night with its outdoor cinema (a must-do experience in Auckland). The night markets are filled with an array of nibbles for the kids, along with cool vintage clothing and contemporary art from local Aucklanders - a great pit stop on route to the outdoor cinemas. 

Western Springs Park
With Auckland Zoo and the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) as its neighbour,  Western Springs is the ideal place to unwind with it's serene lake, gliding swans and popular playground. 

Auckland Zoo
After strolling through Western Springs, take a visit to Auckland’s premier zoo. With everything from brown kiwis to elephants to the fur seal, this sanctuary has the largest number of native and exotic animals in New Zealand. The zoo s sprawled across 17 hectares of parkland - providing plenty of space for its fauna to roam in attractive habitats. 

Auckland Zoo is the best place to spot our local and famous flightless bird, the Kiwi. A proud supporter of the Department of Conservations Kiwi recovery programme - Operation Nest Egg. Witness the programme in full operation as rescued eggs from the endangered brown kiwi are able to hatch and grow in a predator-free environment. Once they have grown and are strong enough they are released back into the wild.
Every visit helps secure a future for wildlife in the zoo, New Zealand and abroad.

City Swimming Pools
The Tepid Baths - 100 Customs Street West
An iconic part of Auckland history for over 100 years, ‘The Teps’  is now a sleek, modern swimming complex better suited to families with older kids.
The Parnell Baths - 25 Judges Bay Road
Aucklanders have been enjoying The Parnell Baths each summer for over a century. The big pool at 60 metres, is the largest saltwater pool in the country.  The interactive aqua playground makes it a great day out for the kids. 

Still looking for ideas? Contact us for a custom private tour covering all the things kids love. An ice cream stop, tree-climbing, bookstores or water features - the choice is yours!  Or check out specialist website Auckland for Kids or send us an email with questions. 

Best lamb Auckland please? Auckland’s Best Beef and Lamb Restaurants

New Zealand is renowned for its grass-fed farm fare and a question we often get asked is ‘where are the best lamb restaurants Auckland-wide?' The New Zealand Beef and Lamb Excellence Awards 'Gold Plate' recognizes the city chefs transforming tender cuts into lip-smacking fine cuisine.

As a taster, imagine eye-fillet steak served with beetroot, shiitake mushrooms, hollandaise and duck fat chips.  Or a rack of lamb accompanied by kumara toast, mint sauce, and creamy lemon-infused yoghurt.

If you’re a meat lover, look for the restaurants displaying the Beef and Lamb Excellence Award proudly on their wall.  It’s here you can expect tasty, skillfully composed and superbly presented beef and lamb dishes.

Otherwise, check out our list of the best beef and lamb restaurants Auckland has to offer. 

Past Auckland Beef and Lamb Excellence Winners:

Cibo Parnell - Parnell

Soljans Estate Winery - Kumeu

Gilt Brasserie - Central Auckland

Giraffe - Central Auckland

Smokin' Cole BBQ - Central Auckland

Oyster and Chop - Central Auckland

Regatta Bar & Eatery - Takapuna 

Jervois Steakhouse - Herne Bay

Pilkingtons - Central Auckland

Ampersand Eatery - Central Auckland

Bracu - Bombay

Rothko - Matakana

Plume Restaurant - Matakana

Mudbrick - Waiheke Island

Casita Miro - Waiheke Island

Tantalus Estate - Waiheke Island 

Our Taste Auckland walking tour includes recommendations on the top spots to eat, shop and go. So bon appetit and put your best foot forward as our small-group or private walking tours are the best place to start.

Source: Restaurant Hub Dec'19

The Insider's Guide to Auckland

No wonder Auckland consistently ranks as one of world’s most liveable cities. When Maori discovered Auckland 800 years ago, they named it 'Tamaki Makaurau', a place desired by many. Sandwiched between two sparkling harbours, with over 90 idyllic islands, beautiful beaches, amazing food and stunning volcanic vistas, Auckland is a dream destination. But some of the best things to do Auckland-wide are tucked deep in the central city with its top-notch restaurants, hip boutiques, bars and art galleries. That’s if you know where to go!

So here’s our local's guide to the top Auckland attractions you don’t want to miss. 

Auckland’s best waterfront walk: City to North Wharf
Starting downtown at Auckland’s Ferry building, check out the harbour views from bustling Queen’s wharf. Then stroll west past the Viaduct, once home to Auckland’s fruit market and fishing fleet, to North Wharf. Here you’ll discover giant super yachts, a revitalised waterfront, busy eateries and unparalleled views of Auckland’s Harbour Bridge. Enjoy promenading along this easy breezy walkway as Aucklanders sip wine in the sun. This is the perfect starting point for Auckland shore excursions. Check out other suggested Auckland day hikes here

Best Auckland Restaurants
Sightseeing sure does work up an appetite and lucky for you, central Auckland is a foody paradise. The buzzing Viaduct Harbour is home to Soul Bar, Oyster and Chop and gorgeous St Alice. Head for Sky City on Federal St with its fifteen restaurants and check out local favourites Depot, Fed St Deli or Sky Tower’s Sugar Club. Britomart has the superb Alma, Kingi, Amano and Ebisu while some of the best places to eat in Auckland can be found uptown, on vibrant K'Road with the brilliant Apero, Pici and Cocoa’s Cantina. For a hearty brunch in the city, check out Odettes, Scarecrow or Chuffed or grab a flat white coffee at the Espresso Workshop. Check out our guide to Auckland's best restaurants for a great night out.  

Best Rooftop Bars Auckland 
Quench your thirst, mingle with the locals and admire a bird’s eye view from a city rooftop bar. Hey, it’s not New York but Dr Rudi’s at Viaduct Harbour provides the best perch for people-watching and possibly Auckland’s best waterfront deck. The craft beer is brewed on-site, and the pizzas are great too, with free bowling lanes for added entertainment! For a classier experience with killer cocktails, dress up and head to the QT, the Sheraton’s Churchill Bar or the So Hotel bar on Customs St. We profile more Auckland rooftop bars here

Best Culture Fix: Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki and the Auckland Maritime Museum
Explore the history, art and culture of beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand by visiting The Auckland Art Gallery or Toi O Tamaki (‘our treasure house’). This is the home or wharenui of New Zealand art and presents around 800 pieces (going back around 700 years) and visiting international exhibitions. The works of famous New Zealand artists like Charles Goldie, Ralph Hotere and Colin McCahon are on public display instead of hidden away in private vaults. The Gallery runs one-hour tours daily (except Xmas Day) at 11.30am and 1.30pm.

At downtown’s Auckland Maritime Museum, set sail and discover the stories which helped to shape our nautical nation including winning the America’s Cup. Take a one-hour voyage on the heritage scow, Ted Ashby to discover why Auckland really nails its reputation as the “city of sails.” 

The Fashion edit: where to shop
Head downtown for Auckland’s best shopping to the stylish Britomart precinct for Kiwi designers or take a stroll up nearby High Street for gifts, shoes, books and vintage apparel. For international designers, stick to Queen Street and drop into heritage department store Smith and Caughey or the newest shopping and eating destination downtown, Commercial Bay. 

The best way to see a new city is strolling the back streets with a knowlegable local guide. Find your feet and beat the jet lag by booking our Hello Auckland walking tour and we'll give you our current 'best things to do Auckland' guide.

Other Pro Tips for Visitors: 

• Grab the free Auckland A-Z Guide when you land at Auckland airport. Tourism information offices in NZ are called iSITES.
• Best Auckland side trips: Waiheke Island's vineyards and beaches or Piha, the city’s wild west coast beach. One hour north is the Matakana region with it’s sculpture trails, regional parks and stunning beaches. 
• Auckland weather: Look up Metservice for the most accurate NZ forecasts. 
• New Zealand's emergency number is 111. Legal drinking age is 18 years. Marijuana is illegal
• Hello in Maori is ‘Kia ora’ (pronounced ‘Kea-ora’)    
• Airport to City transport: Catch the SkyDrive Coach into SkyCity. Book online (Adults from NZ$18 one way) -  30 minute off peak drive.
• Bin the banana at the border! NZ has very strict bio-security laws. Declare anything you’re unsure about. Else you’ll cop a NZ$400 fine at the airport, no exceptions.
• Central Auckland gyms and day spas:  City Fitness, Les Mills Gym, East Day Spa, Chuan Spa at the Cordis hotel 
• Public transport:  Buy a HOP card from Auckland Transport (AT) at the downtown Britomart station if you're here for a few days. Get cheaper bus, train and ferry fares and help save the planet too.

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